Fresh divisions have emerged within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a violent attack on the state Caretaker Chairman, Ade Adetimehin.
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, described the assault as a disgrace to the party and a threat to internal democracy.
At a press briefing in Akure on Wednesday, the forum said the attack, which occurred during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party secretariat, signalled a dangerous slide into factionalism and lawlessness.
The meeting, convened ahead of the APC’s upcoming congress, was reportedly disrupted on Tuesday by suspected thugs who stormed the secretariat, assaulted party leaders, and brought the session to an abrupt end.
Adetimehin and others aligned with the Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, were said to have been specifically targeted.
Speaking for the forum’s chairman, Erastus Akeju, spokesman Demola Ijabiyi described the incident as a “humiliating spectacle” that undermined the moral authority of the APC.
He warned that violence and intimidation could weaken the party’s foundation.
“Political disagreements must never degenerate into brigandage. When dialogue gives way to force, it diminishes the integrity of the political process and sows seeds of long-term division,” Ijabiyi said.
The elders argued that the assault was not just a personal attack on Adetimehin but a blow to the party’s image in Ondo and across the country.
They stressed that the APC’s strength lies in consultation, persuasion, and unity not coercion and cautioned against factionalism that could undermine national objectives.
“There is no justification for factional rivalry at a time when the party should be consolidating support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Personal ambitions must be subordinated to party unity,” the forum added.
The group also condemned the desecration of the party secretariat, describing it as a reflection of declining political culture.
“When respected leaders are attacked within their own office, it signals a breakdown of discipline. Silence only emboldens impunity,” the statement read.
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the party’s national leader, to intervene and restore calm in Ondo State.
They urged the APC’s national leadership to conduct an independent investigation and impose sanctions where necessary, noting that swift and transparent justice would reassure members that the party is guided by principle rather than power.
